STATE | ASPS State Advocacy Grants Update

In 2015, ASPS initiated a State Advocacy Grant Program to support state and regional plastic surgery societies seeking to fight or advance state policies that impact plastic surgery. As part of this program, state societies can submit grant proposals requesting up to $10,000.00.

Thus far, ASPS has received grant requests from four state societies. Two have been approved, and two are in the approval process, and the different state societies are targeting different legislative engagement strategies. One state society, for example, has used the funding to hire a contract lobbyist. Together, the society and their lobbyist are working to stave off the introduction of legislation that would lower patient safety standards. Another state society is working with a coalition to enact legislation that takes physician's views on out of network billing into consideration. Yet another is working with organized medicine in their state to fight negative medical malpractice reforms.

Local, state, and regional plastic surgery societies have a track record of achievements at the state level that advance the practice of plastic surgery and to protect patients. By shaping state legislation, these societies can have a national impact on public policy, as states and the federal government often look to other state's legislation when developing policy.

If you are a member or a leader in a state, regional or local plastic surgery society, please consider how a state advocacy grant could help advance your legislative agenda. Applications for this grant cycle will be accepted through June.